II(B) Police Volunteer of the Year Award
City Manager
Jim Gleason
Agenda U2-03-2UU4
Item II B
Commissioners
Danny Howell, District 1
Scott Anderson, District 2
Rusty Johnson, District 3
Nancy J. Parker, District 4
Mayor
S. Scott Vandergrift
TO:
The Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM:
Steven J. Goclon, Chief of Police
DATE:
February 3, 2004
RE:
Police Volunteer of the Year
On January 15,2004, the Citizen Advisory Council for the Ocoee Police Department (CACOPD)
voted on the Ocoee Police Department's Volunteer in Police Services (VIPS) Volunteer of the
Year of 2003. This person exemplifies selfless dedication to the Ocoee Police Department and
the community. The CACOPD selected Ocoee Police Explorer Brian Harris.
Brian Harris has volunteered countless hours to assist with crime prevention and community
improvement projects. He has volunteered for many child fingerprinting and bike registration
events, directed traffic at the 2003 Founder's Day Festival and Christmas Parade, participated in
a graffiti removal projects at Spring Lake Elementary and Palm Drive Park, and assisted with
Ocoee's first National Night Out event. The most remarkable thing about these achievements is
that Brian is still in high school. Brian has been a member of the Ocoee Police Explorer Post
2909 for the past two years. During that time, he has exemplified the Explorer Program and has
risen to the rank of Acting Captain, the highest-ranking Police Explorer. Brian developed a
database to track Explorers, their activities, and the equipment they are issued. Brian Harris is an
asset to the Explorer Post, the Ocoee Police Department, and the City of Ocoee.
Receiving the second largest number of votes was Police Auxiliary Sgt. Bob Chedwick. He has
been volunteering his time with the Auxiliary program since it was started in Ocoee over 13
years ago. As part of his duties, Bob coordinates the monthly Auxiliary meeting and notifies the
Auxiliary officers of up coming events. He helps keep the department's police fleet running by
performing minor electrical installations and repairs on the patrol cars. He also assists with DUI
"Wolf packs" as well as many other events throughout the year.
Thanks to Bob, the Ocoee Police Department is able to clear parade routes with Car 54, a black
and white 1961 Chevrolet police car complete with a bubble gum light and wailing siren. He
also brings the car to be displayed at events like the National Night Out and community block
parties. Over the years the elements have taken their toll on Car 54. Rust started to eat its way
through this crowd favorite. Bob arranged to have temporary bodywork done on the car so it
would be ready for the 2003 parades. Permanent bodywork is scheduled to be completed in
March of 2004. This is going to be done for free by the Auto Auction and Joe's Paint and Body
thanks to Bob's efforts. We are grateful and proud to have Police Auxiliary Sgt. Chedwick as a
member of our department.
For more information about the Explorer Post 2909, or how to become a volunteer for the Ocoee
Police Department please contact Sgt. Stephen McCosker at (407) 905-3160 ext. 3055.